Viktor Zichó, energy engineer, alumnus of our faculty, rode a recumbent (a bicycle, which places the rider in a laid-back reclining position) to the tomb of Sándor Csoma de Kőrös, early-19th century Hungarian orientalist. Viktor Zichó rode his bike following the path of Csoma.
You graduated as an energy engineer on the BME Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. What do you recall about your years as our student?
Attending BME was one of the best things that ever happened in my life. I made good friends in the dorm, I could live a vibrant social life, and I could study, which attracted me the most: energetics. The university taught me autonomy and opened my eyes. I realised my attitude towards work and career. On a ’Building services systems’ course, the lecturer advertised a project: the measurement of the heating system of the Széchenyi Spa in Budapest. That was the first time when I had the opportunity to work independently, without external pressure. Afterwards, I participated in several measurement projects brought by the industrial relations of the university. There I could implement the knowledge gained at the Faculty of Mechanical Engineering. I was outstandingly well-paid, with a part-time commitment. Primarily, I could finance my bike tours and equipment.
You are a co-founder of a rock-climbing competition. How did you get to like extreme sports?We founded the KisGeri 24 Rock-Climbing and Highline Festival in 2017. I found extreme sports during my teenage years when I had problems with self-esteem. The adrenaline, the stimulus of danger, tore me out of reality, which I enjoyed much. I became an extreme sports addict: for me, it is a much more unique experience to rush down a hill with a mountain bike, or to climb rocks, than consume alcohol.
Csoma de Kőrös, a Hungarian orientalist, for some years, was living in Kanum, which you also visited. How do the monks and the locals relate to him?
Kőrösi was living there for three years and did an extraordinary job. In a specific room of the monastery, he finished two of his books: the Tibetan-English Dictionary, and the Tibetan Grammar. Locals admire him, and his works, so his name remained in the public discourse for a long time. He is still remembered, as when I have told the first people whom I met from Kanum, that I came from Hungary, one of them said: ’God bless Hungarians, in my village, a Hungarian was living 200 years ago. His name was Csoma de Kőrös!’ In the monastery, the monks greeted me warmly, with respect. They let me watch and record any of their rituals. They gave me food and allowed me to live in my tent in the territory of the monastery.
When you arrive home, what would you do first?
First, I would thank God that I am back again. Then, I would spend much time with my family and friends. I got to appreciate Hungary, after getting an insight into the everyday life and problems, political and living conditions in distant places of the World. In my view, Hungary is a pleasant place for living a good-quality life. We should not forget that if we compare our homeland not only with some Western countries, then we will stop complaining.
What further plans do you have?
The expedition, which occupies my day, is unsustainable in the long term. Or sustainable, if we observe this together with a working period. Although, it is a fact that since I did not have enough sponsors, during the road, I lived off my reserves. For this reason, I will concentrate more on sustainability.
László Benesóczky
Photo: Viktor Zichó
Viktor Zichó on Instagram and Facebook
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